254 THE STORMCOCK. — 
bearing shrubs. But in shrubs I have never been 
able to find his nest, which is generally placed either 
in the forked branches of the forest trees, or in 
those of the larger fruit trees, sometimes very high 
up, and sometimes within 5ft. of the ground. The 
outside of the nest is composed of dried grass, to 
which is added a little green moss ; whilst the inside 
contains a lining of dried grass alone, on which the 
female commonly lays five eggs, speckled over with 
chocolate-coloured spots, of a lighter and a darker 
shade, on a greyish-green ground. 
During the period of the breeding season, the 
habits of the stormcock undergo a noted change. 
At other times of the year, except in cherry-time, 
and when the seeds of the different species of the 
service tree are ripe, this bird carefully avoids the 
haunts of man; but no sooner does the time arrive 
in which it has to make its nest, than it draws near 
to our habitations with the utmost confidence, and 
forms its nest in places the most exposed to our 
view. There both male and female protect their 
charge with matchless courage. On the approach 
of an enemy you immediately hear their singular 
cry, which somewhat resembles the sound produced 
by striking the teeth of a comb smartly with your 
finger ; and you see the parent birds dashing inces- 
santly at the crow, the cat, or the magpie, until 
they clear the coast. This year there is a storm- 
cock’s nest within fifteen yards of the place where 
the masons are at work. Our tame magpie, which 
is allowed its freedom, and the use of its wings, 
seized the female, some days ago, and brought her 
